Clone valve cover issues

slonomo

I know there are different valve cover setups out there, but thought I'd contribute my experience with the VC440.

After installing the billet rod, 1.3 rockers, cam, pushrods, and milled head .010" the rockers were contacting the inside liner of the valve cover. This particular valve cover is two stamped steel pieces, the inner piece serving as a pcv valve of some sort. The inner liner hangs down low in a couple spots, some dimples and angles in there. This is where the rockers will make contact.

Fix #1: take a 3/8" socket extention, use the round end, tap down the spots where the rockers contact to gain additional clearance. In my case, the outer cover ended up distorting a bit and this did not work so well.

Fix #2: buy a spacer, there are some go kart stores that sell a billet alum spacer, prob like 3/8", that brings the cover out for clearance. Kinda expensive, but probably the right thing to do.

Fix #3: remove the inner liner, just get a smaller flat screwdriver and pry it out, it's just pressed in there. This does deactivate the pcv valve, but it's not a big deal. I do have a small amount of oil residue coming out the rubber grommet/hole, but I'll get a small filter for it.

If you aren't sure if yours is making contact, remove the valve cover and look inside. You'll see little rub marks, possibly some metal shavings/dust.

How did I find this out? Well, I think I over-tightened my valve cove bolt and stripped a few threads, weakening it's holding strength. When I went for a test ride, the valve cover flew off and oil went all over my belt, ruining it. Oops!

Also, don't over tighten your valve cover bolt LOL

BGW

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bokeasmowl

Use a double gasket.

slonomo

Have you tried the double gasket thing? I have two of them I could try it to see if it would seal. Hmm. Wonder if the bolt is long enough?

1989Marathon

It sounds like the parts weren't designed correctly to take the clearances into account.

slonomo

You are right. There is a spacer available on the go kart racing market, probably need to make these part of our clone builds with the cam/rod package. It raises the valve cover 1/2".

Attached Images

GX390 valve cover spacer with valve cover.jpg (59.8 KB, 0 views)

sho305

Slo your cam is too big, better take it out and send to me....

slonomo

I hear ya. I thought about it for a second, but I didn't want you to hurt your mpg! LOL

sho305

You are one nice guy for sure!! Ah maybe some day want to get a good carb on first, and of course get the clutches working well.

slonomo

Hey sho, does your clone make a lot of valvetrain noise? Mine just taps away, now I can really hear the valvetrain since I put an atv muffler and quieted the exhaust down. It's really got me concerned. I think I'll start a thread on this.

slonomo

LOL I just saw Parsons Racing has a billet alum valve cover with a rubber o ring seal machined in, with extra clearance, cooling fins, built in pcv. Pretty slick.....but it's $150 WOW! Ok no. I'll deal with the oil leaks.